Registration for the World Whale Conference 2017 in Durban, South Africa is now open! Click here to book your place in Durban!
World Whale Conference 2017
The 2017 World Whale Conference will focus on promoting responsible whale and dolphin tourism. Hosted by the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau and eThekwini Municipality at the Protea Edward hotel from 24th-29th June, the conference will unite national, regional and global stakeholders from cetacean conservation and welfare backgrounds, the whale watching industry, as well as travel and tourism companies. Delegates will hear from expert speakers, then discuss and share evidence on best practice for responsible cetacean tourism. Attendees will leave the conference with a better understanding of how we can improve and ensure the protection of cetaceans in southern Africa and worldwide.
Towards Responsible Tourism for Cetaceans
#WorldWhale 2017 will achieve three important goals for cetaceans in tourism:
- Agree a set of Global Standards that protect cetaceans in tourism by combining current best practice guidelines, advice from practitioners, and the latest scientific research into one resource.
- Create an International Advisory Committee for Cetaceans in Tourism (both in the wild and in captivity) to oversee the agreed Global Standards.
- Seek endorsement for both the Global Standards and Advisory Committee from national and international institutions, regulatory bodies, governments, NGOs, and the travel industry.
WCA’s World Whale Conference 2017 will unite cetacean scientists, conservationists and welfare experts with whale watching operators, tour operators and other industry representatives, to discuss how tourism can be effective in protecting and celebrating marine wildlife across Africa – and the world – for generations to come. Take a look through the conference programme and find out more on the speakers, workshop sessions, community events, and delegate only excursions that are taking place as part of the 2017 World Whale Conference.
Whale Heritage Site summit
Following the conference, the WHS summit will give candidates a chance to showcase their destinations to representatives from tourist destinations and organisations, international institutions and the private sector, along with global experts in tourism, sustainability and whale watching. Delegates will then discuss and explore opportunities for the development of new sites, and networks of sites, in Africa and beyond.
Click here to visit the registration page and book your place in Durban!